Month: November 2024

Old Time Radio

Holiday Nostalgia

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Holiday Specials. Comedies. Movies. Music. Drama.

Every December Neal and the Gang over at Radio Once More provide 24/7 programming of nostalgic (old time) radio shows. The shows cover a wide variety of genres and years. To find out more, go to their website at Radiooncemore.com.

When you go to the main page, you will see the grid for the week’s schedule and there are links for various types of information, too.

I listen to the station courtesy of TuneIn, which is a free app available for a variety of platforms.

You can also listen from the RadioOnceMore website by going to the Program Details page.

If you would like a change of pace for the holidays this year, check it out. There is a lot of great programming to enjoy.

Around the House

Easing to the Holiday Sidelines

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Yes, you read that correctly. Sidelines. As in I’m not going to be out and about frantically doing anything for the next month or so.

As a household without small children, or children of any age come to that, I don’t have the need to be running around checking off lists of Things To Do while keeping an eye on the household budget. If you do, you have my sympathy and encouragement.

Decades ago I discovered that the time between mid-November and mid-January were hectic enough with weather shifts (I live in a part of the country where that has impact) and adding to crowds who were frantically trying to buy everything including the gravel in the mall parking lots was not good for anything to do with me. Think mental and physical health, my meager budget, my sanity. So, I did something radical; I took myself out of the hurley burley and allowed folks who had the need or desire to be there enjoy themselves. Or not…

Recently I caught Nicole on the AllRecipes channel on YouTube prepare Thanksgiving dinner. I was exhausted just watching her! Granted, she had everything down to a science and it worked like a charm, but Good Grief…

I think that a potluck meal would be a great way to spread the work among folks who would be sitting around the table. It is easier on the budget and easier on the stress level. It is also a great way to try new things!

I think that settling in with some good coffee (or tea) a good coffee cake and something to watch that makes you happy is also a good way to enjoy the day.

I think as the days move forward toward the Big Day (or days) it is worth remembering why we are doing these things that have taken over our lives. The big question for me is: Am I enjoying myself or going through the motions?

So, for me, sitting on the sidelines is a great way to reduce stress, avoid injury, keep my budget in check and still spend time with folks I love.

Give yourself permission to do what you can, don’t do what you can’t, admit the difference, and allow others to do the same.

Sending you a hug or two, wishes for a quiet time to relax and reflect, and hope that you find joy in unexpected places.

Oh, and a reminder that this, too, will pass. 🙂

TV

Something Old Is New Again

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I was one of those folks who grew up watching Columbo way back when. Before it was syndicated. Back then the idea of knowing Who Did It was unique and exciting. Dealing with that annoying detective (Columbo) was rather fun. He annoyed pretty much everyone and no one thought he had a clue.

It turned out he had quite a few clues.

I started watching Elspeth during its second season and plan to go back and watch season one. Like Columbo, Elspeth is based on the premise that we already know who the Bad Guy/Gal is and the show is watching Elspeth and her cronies at the PD bring that person to justice.

I have to admit, she is quite unusual and interesting. I have no idea why all the tote bags. Her clothes are…eye catching. She is not at all what she seems to be, either. And I find I like her a lot.

CinemaBlend recently posted a great article on the show, you can read it HERE.

I have to say I appreciate TV or movies where I actually have to engage my brain. They are few and far in between.

Enjoy!

Crafting · Sewing

The Art of the Pillowcase

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Many years ago my mother made a floor pillow for me that was part of my Christmas Haul. I still have it, even thought it is a far cry from its original state.

Pillows and pillow cases are wonderful things. They provide comfort and pleasure and can be made in any style that the user prefers. Recently Misty over at the Missouri Star Quilt Company did a tutorial on making pillow cases and I thought it might be a good idea to share.

I have a couple of odd sized bed pillows that store bought cases just don’t fit. Needless to say, I’m going to check this out!

Have some fun and make some for yourself and your besties! Or even your beasties!

Audiobooks · Books

From The Reading Table: Tea? Coffee? Murder Episode 1-3

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Tea? Coffee? Murder! – Episode 1-3: A Cosy Mystery Compilation by Ellen Barksdale

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When I look for an audiobook to listen to I tend to aim for something longer than 8 hours. This book, a compilation of the first 3 books in the series, has an 11 hour run time. In other words, each of the individual books is less than 4 hours long, so I would not have considered any of them individually. Being able to actually listen to the three has been enjoyable without lots of filler or diversion.

All that being said, this series is an interesting/odd take on a version of Midsummer Murders/Murder, She Wrote.

The stories are well written, have interesting characters, and there seems to be just enough to keep me interested without additives that just add bulk and no real substance.

If you are looking for something a bit different and yet engaging, give this a try.



View all my reviews

Cooking

Apple Pie! Yes, Please!!

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A good apple pie is a wonder. Apples and Fall are a perfect match. In recent years I’ve indulged in a wonderful Apple Cake, but haven’t made an apple pie in far too long

Glen over at Glen & Friends on Youtube recently posted an apple pie recipe that I think is a great starting place for beginners and a wonderful adventure for more experienced bakers. Check it out:

I love how it gives us time especially during a busy holiday season when apple pie is a regular occupant of the dessert board.

But Wait, There’s More!

A few days earlier, Nicole on Allrecipes on YouTube also posted a video on apple pie. Three of them, in fact. Check it out:

A little something for everyone, right? I particularly like the idea of the apple crisp/pie combination.

What are your favorites?

Cooking · Food

Have You Ever Tried A Poke Cake?

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I was catching up with Anna over on Cooking The Books and found her video on the Coconut Lime Poke Cake. Check it out:

While I think Anna’s version sounds great, there are loads of options that you can make to fit any taste, or holiday.

How about

  • a chocolate cake with cherry jello to mimic a Black Forrest Cake?
  • a strawberry cake with strawberry Jello AND strawberries with the whipped cream?
  • What if you take a yellow cake mix and substitute orange juice for the milk or water and then use orange Jello?

You can find loads of recipes and ideas for poke cake on Allrecipes.com or Pinterest, among other searches.

As you contemplate your holiday menu, poke cake might be an interesting addition.